What is a Hob?
A hob is an essential component of any kitchen. Modern hobs are constructed of glass that is shatterproof and heatproof. They also have flat cooking zones and are easy to clean. They are powered by electricity however they can be less expensive than gas hobs. They also work with almost every cookware type, but induction hobs require compatible pans that emit a magnetic field.
Origin
Hob is an English masculine name that is a name that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is related to the Old English word "hol" and refers to a hole, pit or a ding. The name is also related to the Anglo-Saxon word "hod" which means the crag or hill.
Folklore has it that hobs are faery spirit who do household chores. They are usually benevolent but can become an issue if they are upset. One of these hobs was the Hobthrush found in Runswick Bay, North Yorkshire. It could cure whooping-cough.
Another common use of the word is to refer to a kind of cooking equipment. Hobs are a type of metal plate that is used to cook food and heat liquids. The top of the plate is typically flat, and has several cooking elements, including rings. In some cases the hob could be replaced by an elongated stone that allows it to be used as a target for quoits.
The first recorded use of the term "hob" dates back to the 16th century in the early part of the century. It was probably used at the same time as the female version, hobgoblin. This is derived from the medieval diminutives of Robert or Robin Goodfellow who were celebrated fairies and domestic spirits.
Despite their innocent appearance hobs can play games with people. They can be destructive when provoked. For example one hob in Lincolnshire was able to place a cart on its roof, causing an enormous inconvenience for the farmer. They are also difficult to use due to their speed and strength.
While hobs are mostly used in the UK however, they can be used in other countries as well. Hobs with electric and gas are available. They can be controlled with one button and can be used with other kitchen appliances. Furthermore, some hobs connect to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, making them more convenient to use. These kinds of features are enticed consumers to purchase these devices. Additionally, some models feature advanced safety features, for instance a child lock.
Functions
Induction hobs have a reputation for their rapid heating, energy efficiency and precise temperature control. The glass-ceramic surface remains cool to the touch and only heats up when in contact with cookware that is compatible. This minimizes the risk of burning. Additionally the power is shut off immediately after the cookware has been removed from the cooking area. These safety features are especially beneficial in homes where guests and children may be present in the kitchen.
In addition, induction hobs use less gas than traditional stoves, which reduces household energy costs and carbon emissions. This makes them ideal for environmentally-conscious households.
Certain models come with a "Stop and Go" function that instantly reduces the cooking areas to their lowest setting when you are required to leave the kitchen. Some models feature bridge functions that join two induction zones into one large one controlled by one control. This gives you more flexibility. ovens hobs of connecting multiple cooking zones means you can cook with larger or smaller pans and pots.
The power settings on a hob can be adjusted using simple, intuitive controls that are easy to operate and read. Hobs can also be equipped with timers, presets to handle common cooking tasks, automatic shut-offs and a Booster function that only uses maximum power for the needed time, and a soft "bottom heat" to cut down on simmer time and help conserve energy.
Furthermore, the smooth, glass-ceramic surface of an electronic hob is easy to clean and does not contain the nooks and crannies of conventional gas burners, which are prone to collecting dirt and grime with time. Fotile electric hobs are designed to bring style and sophistication to the modern kitchen, with sleek, contemporary lines that blend with other appliances and décor.
Sensors are used in hobs with automatic shut-off features. They check the surface of the hob for signs of abnormal heat, or explosive substances. The gas supply is then automatically cut off to prevent injury or fire. This feature is crucial for gas hobs since it reduces the chance of accidents during cooking. Induction hobs employ sensors to determine when the cookware isn't touching it. This can stop electric shocks.
Types
There are many different kinds of hobs that are available, so it's important to consider which one is right for your kitchen. The most common features are heat control, energy efficiency, cookware compatibility and safety. The type of hob you choose will also affect your budget, both the initial cost and running costs.
Gas hobs use natural gas to create an open flame that heats your pots and pans. Many cooks at home choose gas hobs due to their instant heat and can be set to a specific temperature. They are also not affected by power failures and can be used with a wide variety of cooking equipment. Gas hobs are more expensive to run and require regular maintenance like cleaning the grates. In addition, they can be more prone to flare-ups that happen accidentally, so you need to be aware of the open flame and ensure the stove is adequately secured with grills that are safe.
Plate hobs, another option for cooking employs electric elements beneath a ceramic or tempered glass surface to heat cookware. They provide excellent heat distribution and are cost-effective for flat-based items. However, they take longer to warm up and cool down than other types of hobs and are difficult to clean.
Halogen hobs resemble electric plates, but they feature a filament bulb which heats the surface. They are more efficient in energy use however, they take longer to heat up or cool off. Ceramic hobs are more flexible in terms of heat control. Some are equipped with touch-based controls and others have physical knobs.
Induction hobs use electromagnetic induction to heat your cookware. This technology is more efficient, leading to quicker heating and an even distribution of heat. In addition they are less difficult to clean than other kinds of hobs because they don't have exposed burners or grates. They're not as effective at simmering, and they might not be suitable for use with heavy-bottomed cookware.
Safety
Hobs are an essential component of any kitchen, but they can be risky when you don't take the proper precautions. Unattended pans and improper cleaning can cause fires that can damage your kitchen or cause harm to you or others. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service warns that hobs can be the main cause of kitchen fires.
The cookware can overheat and cause it to become damaged or even shatter, which can pose an fire risk. Fortunately, many hobs come with safety systems that monitor the operating temperature to prevent overheating. These systems utilize power modulation as well to ensure that the heat output is constant and doesn't exceed safe limits. These features protect the hob, its components and surrounding surfaces from fire hazards.
Induction hobs are considered safe to use even though some worry about electromagnetic fields (EMF). The EMFs produced by these devices aren't as strong and powerful like those generated by mobile phone, and their radiation isn't ionizing.
Induction hobs work only with certain types of cookware. It is essential to ensure that your cookware and pots are ready for induction before you begin using them. A simple method to check this is to hold a magnet near the base of the pan. If the pan is able to stick, it is compatible with an induction cooker. The wrong type of cookware can damage your hob or cause fire.
Keep children and other people away from the hob when it is in use. The surface could be extremely hot. Likewise, you should use oven gloves when touching metal pan handles as they can also be very hot. It is essential to shut off the stove immediately after use, as it can remain hot for a while. If a fire occurs and you are in danger, follow the fire services advice - to call 999 and leave your home as fast as you can.